[BobGonwild]

Hi all,

Just seeking some advice as there was a freak hail storm today and my car took hail damage while being serviced at the dealership. My car had already finished maintenance and was sitting in the lot while the storm happened. I picked up my car right when the Garage was closing and unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of it as I was talking with a Sales Adviser about other random stuff. The Sales Adviser did advise me to call into the Dealership tomorrow to see what they can do or call Dent Wizard as the damage was not too extensive (a big dent in the hood, and a few small bumps elsewhere). Just wanted to hear some forum members advice or if anyone has had any similar experience.

Thanks in advance.

[tturedraider]

Paintless dent removal can repair it as though it never happened.

[BobGonwild]

Thanks for your response. I also wanted to ask; can the dealership fix this for me on their expense as it was in their possession while this happened?

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by BobGonwild

can the dealership fix this for me on their expense as it was in their possession while this happened?

It would fall under your insurance coverage. If they're really stand up they'll cover the deductible.

[Halsifer]

Originally Posted by BobGonwild

Thanks for your response. I also wanted to ask; can the dealership fix this for me on their expense as it was in their possession while this happened?

You could ask, but I really wouldn't fight for it.

I would go through your own insurance to reimburse the damages, if it's even that costly. And no, it doesn't go against your premium.

Like you said, it was a freak hail storm. The dealership already has to deal with all their unsold vehicles, just because they servicing your car doesn't mean they can control Mother Nature, and I'm sure they already have a mob of customers complaining about it too that they will likely decline.

[syuan92]

Are you in the Boston area by any chance? We got nailed hard by by hail today

[BobGonwild]

Appreciate the responses all, this is the first time hail has affected me as I normally garage my car. Can anyone provide a rough range in terms of the damage? (sorry for lack of pics as its now dark out). Again, it looks to be in just several spots with the most sizable hole on the hood.

[BobGonwild]

And yes I am in Boston. My car was in Sudbury and (IMO) they get storms even worse than in the city.

[Halsifer]

Originally Posted by BobGonwild

Appreciate the responses all, this is the first time hail has affected me as I normally garage my car. Can anyone provide a rough range in terms of the damage? (sorry for lack of pics as its now dark out). Again, it looks to be in just several spots with the most sizable hole on the hood.

Paintless Dent Removal? Well, if a whole hail storm worth, above $1000, easily.

But you said only a few dents, right? Like 4-5? Cheap. Expect to pay under $400 for a good guy. Maybe even under $250. Should take under half an hour.

You can just call some guy to come out and give you an estimate, or bring it to a shop. It really shouldn't be much. You may not even want to claim it, now that I think about it. It's probably less than your deductible.

[BobGonwild]

Thanks man! But it sure sucks to lose a few hundred bucks...

[Halsifer]

Originally Posted by BobGonwild

Thanks man! But it sure sucks to lose a few hundred bucks...

True, but could be worse. Try being me: Going through 2 Parking Lot Hit-n-Runs and 1 Rear-End accident by Prius (on my birthday), totaling to 3 bumper replacements, all in a less than 1.5 years of owning the car.

Even now, my newest current bumper has paint cracks and a broken grille because of a big dumbass bird that didn't learn to fly away until the last second on a highway. (I've always had bad luck with birds weirdly enough)

I'd take a couple of hail dents any day! Lol

[Versipellis]

Originally Posted by Halsifer

True, but could be worse. Try being me: Going through 2 Parking Lot Hit-n-Runs and 1 Rear-End accident by Prius (on my birthday), totaling to 3 bumper replacements, all in a less than 1.5 years of owning the car.

Even now, my newest current bumper has paint cracks and a broken grille because of a big dumbass bird that didn't learn to fly away until the last second on a highway. (I've always had bad luck with birds weirdly enough)

I'd take a couple of hail dents any day! Lol

Poor bird. I assume it died?

[Halsifer]

Originally Posted by Versipellis

Poor bird. I assume it died?

It's definitely dead. It hit my bumper/grille as it was flying away, then hit my windshield and a big puff of dust came from it as it went flying high up in the air over my car and my buddy's car. He was dying of laughter. I felt like a murderer and was pissed about my grille.

I've always had weird luck, especially with birds don't know why. People think I exaggerate. Then they drive with me and realize that ALL BIRDS DECIDE TO NOT FLY AWAY WHEN I DRIVE BY. You will progressively hear shouting of, "...bird. Bird. BIRD. BIRD!!!" from my vehicle, ending with the screeching tires from ABS kicking in.

Birds also very often hit my window while I am sitting in my room. It's like they don't realize there is a window there at all.

That, and street lamps decide to go out only as I drive past them. Even in a group of cars at night.

I also try not to drive in December. Bad things happen in December.

Starting to realize I'm a little odd.

[Versipellis]

Originally Posted by Halsifer

It's definitely dead. It hit my bumper/grille as it was flying away, then hit my windshield and a big puff of dust came from it as it went flying high up in the air over my car and my buddy's car. He was dying of laughter. I felt like a murderer and was pissed about my grille.

I've always had weird luck, especially with birds don't know why. People think I exaggerate. Then they drive with me and realize that ALL BIRDS DECIDE TO NOT FLY AWAY WHEN I DRIVE BY. You will progressively hear shouting of, "...bird. Bird. BIRD. BIRD!!!" from my vehicle, ending with the screeching tires from ABS kicking in.

Birds also very often hit my window while I am sitting in my room. It's like they don't realize there is a window there at all.

That, and street lamps decide to go out only as I drive past them. Even in a group of cars at night.

I also try not to drive in December. Bad things happen in December.

Starting to realize I'm a little odd.

Wow. Are you sure a more appropriate forum handle isn't, say, Lucifer rather than Halsifer?

[F36 Pilot]

Originally Posted by BobGonwild

Thanks for your response. I also wanted to ask; can the dealership fix this for me on their expense as it was in their possession while this happened?

Yes, the dealer is responsible for any damages to your vehicle while in their possession and they do have insurance for it. It is called Garage Keepers Legal Liability. I thinks it would be absurd if the dealer suggests to have your own insurance take care of it.

[Halsifer]

Originally Posted by Versipellis

Wow. Are you sure a more appropriate forum handle isn't, say, Lucifer rather than Halsifer?

I feel like if I did, I'm just asking for more trouble lol.

[G30 B58]

Most dealers already have a PDR guy on retainer. They use them on lease returns and on trade-in vehicles that they plan on keeping.

I'd ask the dealer to pay for it first. Use your insurance as a last resort.

[ND40oz]

Wait until the PDR guys get it under the lights before trying to figure out how much damage there is. I only saw 4 or 5 on my wife's Tiguan but they had to work on the car for 2 days to get them all out, $2500+ when all was said and done.

[pallymore]

my car was in the collision center when the hail hit yesterday...I hope they kept it inside

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by Halsifer

You could ask, but I really wouldn't fight for it.

I would go through your own insurance to reimburse the damages, if it's even that costly. And no, it doesn't go against your premium.

Like you said, it was a freak hail storm. The dealership already has to deal with all their unsold vehicles, just because they servicing your car doesn't mean they can control Mother Nature, and I'm sure they already have a mob of customers complaining about it too that they will likely decline.

I agree with this. It's not the dealership's fault it hailed, and it's not their fault that you happened to schedule your service on that day at that time. If you picked up your car a little earlier, and it happened when you were parked at the mall, you wouldn't be asking if the mall owner should contribute to the repairs. That's what you get insurance--and you even get a benefit because the dealer can recommend a place to repair the damage.

[BobGonwild]

Originally Posted by F36 Pilot

Yes, the dealer is responsible for any damages to your vehicle while in their possession and they do have insurance for it. It is called Garage Keepers Legal Liability. I thinks it would be absurd if the dealer suggests to have your own insurance take care of it.

So I called into the dealership and they said because it was a natural disaster, they are not responsible. The Service Manager said that he can provide me their Dent Repair contact where they have a negotiated rate to take car of my car (and all theirs). He said it will cost about $135 per panel. Not thrilled about it, but I guess I can discuss the Garage Keepers Legal Liability to see if this changes anything. Thanks for your feedback though.

[tex2670]

Originally Posted by BobGonwild

So I called into the dealership and they said because it was a natural disaster, they are not responsible. The Service Manager said that he can provide me their Dent Repair contact where they have a negotiated rate to take car of my car (and all theirs). He said it will cost about $135 per panel. Not thrilled about it, but I guess I can discuss the Garage Keepers Legal Liability to see if this changes anything. Thanks for your feedback though.

It's worth a shot, but I can't imagine their garage keeper's liability policy covers acts of nature, completely out of the dealer's control. That's not "liability" insurance.